Ukraine Border Guards Stops Dozens of Men From Fleeing Amid War With Russia

The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, which has persisted for almost two and a half years, has led to stringent measures by Ukrainian authorities to maintain military manpower.

On August 7th, 2024, it was reported that "Ukraine border guards intercepted 48 conscripts attempting to flee to Transnistria, a Moldovan region controlled by pro-Russian forces."

This incident occurred near the village of Chorna in the southern region of Odessa, approximately 10 kilometers from the border.

The men involved had paid smugglers over $3,600 each in an attempt to escape conscription. Drone footage revealed several groups of men climbing into the back of a lorry, which was subsequently stopped by border guards.

The arrests signifies the desperate measures some conscripts are willing to take to avoid deployment to the eastern front, where they would face Russian troops.

Martial law in Ukraine restricts men aged 18-60 from leaving the country except under exceptional circumstances. This legal framework is designed to ensure a steady supply of personnel for the Ukrainian military.

However, the fear of being sent to the front lines has driven many conscripts to attempt illegal crossings of Ukraine's western and southern borders. Tragically, dozens have already lost their lives while trying to flee.